![Day-of-Mosquito-ver-2.0-Wha[1]](http://www.megacatch.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Day-of-Mosquito-ver-2.0-Wha1.jpg "Day-of-Mosquito-ver-2.0-Wha[1]")
August 20 – observed annually as ‘World Mosquito Day’ – marks the anniversary of one of the most important scientific discoveries in the battle against malaria. On 20 August, 1897, Dr Ronald Ross, a British doctor working in India, established the transmission of malaria by mosquitoes. Declaring himself that this date be remembered as World Mosquito Day, Dr Ross was later honored with a Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1902 for the discovery. The day also serves as a reminder of the misery these little bloodsuckers cause world-wide.
One bite is all it takes to contract disease, and the risk of becoming infected with mosquito-borne disease in the U.S. is highest from late July through to September.
Currently there is no vaccine to protect against malaria, Eastern Equine Encephaltis (EEE) and West Nile virus so prevention and protection is essential.
Prevention
When set up properly, just one or two mosquito traps have the potential to kill thousands of mosquitoes, reducing the risk of West Nile virus or any mosquito-borne illness. And when used as part of an integrated pest management program (including source reduction, larval control and the use of repellents) can help reduce dependence on sprays of toxic pesticides.
Protection
On world mosquito day safeguard your family and implement the AMCA’s 3Ds of protection from mosquitoes:
D Drain
Many mosquito problems in your neighborhood are likely to come from water-filled containers that you, the resident, can help to eliminate. All mosquitoes require water in which to breed. Be sure to drain any standing water around your house.
D Defend
Choose a mosquito repellent that has been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency. Registered products have been reviewed, approved, and pose minimal risk for human safety when used according to label directions. Three repellents that are approved and recommended are:
- DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide)
- Picaridin (KBR 3023)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-methane 3, 8-diol, or PMD)
D Dress
Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing. Some of the 176 mosquito species in the U.S. are attracted to dark clothing and some can bite through tight-fitting clothes. When practical, wear long sleeves and long pants
More info @ http://www.mosquito.org
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